Faisalabad steps up fight against smog

The divisional administration has announced a series of policy and enforcement measures aimed at addressing climate challenges and gradually making the city pollution-free through a proactive, multi-sectoral approach.

Divisional Commissioner and Administrator Metropolitan Corporation Raja Jehangir Anwar, speaking at a media briefing, described the decision to relocate industry as one of the most significant initiatives in Faisalabad's history.

He said the move comes at a time when industries themselves have become more proactive due to international export requirements, particularly environmental compliance standards under the European Union's GSP Plus scheme introduced a decade ago.

"Faisalabad can no longer afford further environmental hazards," he remarked.

The commissioner said that alongside industrial relocation, the administration is introducing a comprehensive package to promote environmentally friendly practices.

Free parking for electric bikes is being offered to encourage their use and create awareness among citizens.

Furthermore, newly licensed petrol stations have been made bound to install electric vehicle charging stations, with work already underway at government-run and police-operated fuel stations.

Highlighting collaboration with academia, he said the administration has engaged universities in the city to strengthen environmental research and education.

Discussions have been held with vice chancellors to increase seats in environmental sciences while reducing intake in certain social sciences programmes to build a stronger environmental workforce next year.

Meetings have also been conducted with faculty members at Government College University Faisalabad to explore research-based solutions to local environmental challenges, with full administrative support assured.

To curb vehicular emissions, the commissioner announced the permanent establishment of checkpoints at entry points to Faisalabad.

Random and fixed pickets equipped with smoke emission analysers will be set up at motorway interchanges within the division's jurisdiction. Vehicles exceeding prescribed emission limits will be denied entry into the city.

He noted that although the smog season has ended, preparations for the next year are already underway.